\u201cTake heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name saying: I am the Christ and will lead many astray- Mat 24:4- 5.\u201d If you are a Christian, then here is your master, Jesus warning you. As I write, so many false Christs have come and have misled many, making them deny Jesus and reject his teachings while using his name.<\/p>\n
\u201cJesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever- Heb.13:8.\u201d He is the Lord God of the Old Testament who created Adam, who led Enoch, spoke to Noah and later on spoke to Abraham and his descendants the prophets \u2013 see Ps.18:2, Cor.10: 4 \u201c1 Pet.1:11.After calling Abraham and separating him from the gentiles, He gave him His teachings which were to later on form the foundation of the Old Testament on which is the covenant with Abraham\u2019s descendants, the Jews-Gen.12:1-3, 17:7.<\/p>\n
Later afterwards, the lord God led Israelites out of Egypt through Moses and at Mt. Sinai He reminded them of the covenant that He had made with their fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob- Exodus 3:4, 6, 19:4-6. A covenant is an agreement between two parties. On God\u2019s part, He demanded \u00a0obedience from the people of Israel to the Ten Commandments- Exodus 20:1-17.<\/p>\n
The laws are actually the covenant- Deuteronomy 4:13.On the part of Israelites, they promised obedience to God. Now, if we may wonder; what are these laws? They are the tree of life- Prov. 3:18. They are life- Prov. 4:22, Prov. 3:1-4. They are wisdom and understanding-Deuteronomy.4:6. Yes, these commandments which are amplified to form the whole bible are God\u2019s life, explained to mankind through writing. God\u2019s life is what God calls righteousness for He says, \u201cThy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and forever thy law is true \u2013 Ps.119:142,144.\u201d The people of Israel did not obey God and so they broke their covenant with Him- John. 7:19, making it faulty. Was it the covenant which was faulty or was it the people? It wasn\u2019t the commandments but the people for the lord says, \u201cHe finds fault with the people- Heb 8:8\u201d, thereby, planning a \u00a0new covenant which all Christians regardless of \u00a0race or tribe are partakers.<\/p>\n
So, did the Lord God who changes not, change His life which he introduced to Israelites, and introduce a new one? If not, then why the new covenant?To answer this question, we need to understand why the Israelites were unable to obey the law, thus breaking the covenant.<\/p>\n
SPIRITUAL LAW<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n God is spirit and so is His life which is defined by His law (see Rom. 7:12, 14. For details, request for our informative message namely, \u201cTHE TEN COMMANDMENTS\u201d). He tells us that a carnal mind can\u2019t obey or submit to a spiritual law, \u201cFor the mind that is set on the \u00a0flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God\u2019s law; indeed it can\u2019t- Rom. 8:7.\u201d And again, \u201cFor an unspiritual man does not understand spiritual things, for they are \u00a0foolishness to him. And he is not able to understand them for they can only be understood spiritually- 1 Cor. 2:14.\u201d<\/p>\n So, God gave his spiritual law to the Israelites who were carnal-minded which we have seen opposes the law. It became a burden to them. In their mind, they wanted to fulfill fleshly desires, but for fear of being stoned if they break the law, they acted physically, just as God told them saying, \u201cThese people honour me with their lips while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men learnt by rote- Isa.29:13.\u201d See Ps. 78:36- 37. Here, it is very clear that the Israelites were unable to keep the law because they hadn\u2019t the spirit of God which enables one to obey.<\/p>\n SACRIFICES AND REGULATIONS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Since breaking the law is what is defined as sin, (See 1 John 3: 4), and sin causes death, God introduced sacrificial laws and rituals. Through these laws, God began to teach them why they need a saviour. He began to show them how a death must occur to atone for their sins or else, they die themselves.<\/p>\n God clearly tells us that, \u201cThe law was added because of sin (and it was to continue) until the offspring (Christ) should come to whom the promise had been made- Gal. 3:19.\u201d The laws and regulations were not therefore part of the covenant, for our Lord says this about them, \u201cFor when I brought your ancestors out of Egypt , I did not command them about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey my voice and I will be your God and you shall be my people; — walk in my laws that it may be well with you \u2013 Jer.7:22-23.\u201dSo, after someone sins, he\/she will take a lamb or goat, or even a dove to the priest who will slay it, spread the blood on the altar and the person is deemed clean. But this could not change the carnal mind from breaking the law; a good reason why our Lord says, \u201cSacrifices and offerings, thou has not desired but a body has thou prepared for me (Christ); In burnt offerings and sacrifices, thou has taken no pleasure—.- Heb. 10:5-7.\u201d<\/p>\n The law therefore did not abolish the covenant, for God tells us, \u201cThe law which came four hundred years later, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void- Gal 3:17.\u201dThe purpose of this added law was to point people to Christ (the true sacrificial \u00a0lamb).This is why it is called \u201c\u2026our custodian until Christ came \u2013 Gal. 3:24.\u201dWhen Christ came, what happened?Remember the ten commandments are a summarized information of God\u2019s righteous spiritual life which is also the life meant for man- see Prov. 3:1-4; Ps. 19:7-11.So, if it is man\u2019s life also, how will man be able to obey a spiritual law while he is carnal-minded, a mind that can\u2019t submit to the law?<\/p>\n THE NEW COVENANT<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n According to this custodian- law -arrangement, \u201c\u2026..gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot perfect the conscience of the (mind) worshipper, but deal only with food, and drinks and various ablutions, regulations for the body imposed until the time of \u00a0reformation \u2013 Heb. 9: 9-10.\u201d Which reformation, Christ\u2019s coming, who had to \u201cabolish the first (sacrificial law of rituals) in order to establish the second, by which we are sanctified through the offering (not of animals but) of the body of Christ, once and for all- Heb.10: 9-10\u201d.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n HOW DID HE DO THAT?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Remember God\u2019s life which is defined by the law is eternal and can\u2019t change. It is firmly fixed. \u201c\u2026tested pure words, like silver, refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.- Ps. 12:6\u201d<\/p>\n God says, \u201cWhat has been is what will be and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun- Ecles.1:9\u201dHere, God is confirming His eternal permanent unchanging life. Let\u2019s prove please.<\/p>\n We were created to be like God himself (Gen 1:26) in order to rule in his Kingdom here on the earth. This being made like God was to be in stages. The first stage was the physical body we are today, which is shaped like (the image of) God.The second stage was to acquire the knowledge of God and His life, which is our own life, thus putting on His mind and character, (God\u2019s likeness).<\/p>\n The third and final stage was to be crowned with a spirit body at which point, God will have accomplished His desire of creating a man who is like Him, (Gen. 1:26).As we all know, Adam was deceived immediately after the first stage, when he chose to learn from Satan and put on the likeness of Satan, the mind and spirit which works in the hearts of most men in the today\u2019s world. So, God\u2019s creation for man stopped at this physical stage.After a time of hands-off-human-affairs, God decided to continue with creating the man by whom He will restore His kingdom here on earth. This, He did by sending His messenger, Jesus Christ.When Christ came, the message He proclaimed proved beyond reasonable doubt that, God is simply reminding man what he is, why he was created, what life he should be leading and what his destiny is.Get it please if you are given to understand.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026..Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel (message) of God saying, \u201cThe Kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe \u00a0the gospel (message)- Mark.1:14-15.\u201dGod created man to acquire His mind and lifestyle so that he could rule the world according to His will.<\/p>\n Man was deceived and led away from this purpose. Jesus is right here reminding as many as will believe. \u00a0He is beginning where Adam stopped. Adam was deceived at his physical stage. Jesus came in the physical and rejected Satan, and instead, obeyed God, thus putting on the mind of God. This is why He is referred to as the second Adam-see Rom. 5:14-19, 1 Cor.15:45, 47-49.Anyone who believes in Christ rejects what he has learnt from Satan through Adam and accepts God\u2019s life which is taught by His laws. At this point, God begins the stage-two creation which is developing His mind and righteous character in man, in preparation for entry into His kingdom .As we saw; the righteous character is the law. To prove this, when a certain teacher of the law asked Jesus what he should do to enter the Kingdom of God, Christ\u2019s answer was very short and clear and, this was it, and it stands up to now for those who wish to inherit the kingdom. Yes, it stands for all true Christians. \u201cIf you wish to inherit eternal life in the kingdom, keep the commandments-Mat.19:17.\u201dRemember that the stage- two- creation which is God\u2019s righteous character is what the law defines. Of this righteousness, our Lord says, \u201cStrive\u2026for righteousness and holiness without which, no one will see God (no one will enter the kingdom)-Heb. 12:14.\u201d The law is righteous, holy and true- See Rom.7:12, Ps.119:142,144&151.<\/p>\n But which law is Christ referring to? The false Christs are saying that Christ abolished the law and introduced another law of love. It is not a strange thing for them to lie using Christ\u2019s name.<\/p>\n Listen to Christ denying them on the face, \u201cThink not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill them- Mat. 5:17.\u201dBut which law? Christ answers, \u201c\u2026.you shall not kill, not commit adultery, not steal, not bear false witness, honour your father.-Mat. 19:18-19.\u201dHere you are my friend. It is for you to choose whether to learn from and obey Christ or obey false Christs. The qualifications for entering the kingdom is obedience to the ten commandments, which through the prophets and apostles, were amplified to form the scriptures in the bible and were written for all who would want to live Godly lives in Jesus Christ, for he says through the apostles and prophets; \u201cWrite it down on a tablet and inscribe it in a book that it may be for the time to come as a witness forever \u2013Isa.30:8.\u201d And again, \u201cNow these things were written down for our instructions upon whom the end of the ages has come- 1 Cor. 10:11.\u201d Remember it was Jesus who was with the Israelites in the wilderness, who also spoke to all the prophets and is speaking the same things to those who will listen through the scriptures- see 1 Cor. 10:4, 1 Peter 1:10.<\/p>\n He further says, \u201cAll \u00a0scriptures (which amounts to the commandments) are inspired by God, and are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness that the man of God may be complete.-2 Tim. 3:16-17.\u201d<\/p>\n THE LAW OF LOVE<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n If Christ taught us, and up to now is still upholding the Ten Commandments, why did He have to talk of a new commandment of love? Men! Little knowledge is very destructive to the owner.<\/p>\n Know and understand that the New Testament is simply a revelation of the Old Testament. Remember what we saw, that the Old Testament was written in a summarized way. Its details are what we read in the New Testament. Let\u2019s confirm please.<\/p>\n The Lord God gave Moses two stone tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments. The first stone had four laws which have to do with man\u2019s relationship with God while the other one had six laws which have to do with man-to-man relationship.<\/p>\n These two stones symbolized the stony stubborn hearts of the men which can\u2019t obey the written spiritual \u00a0law.<\/p>\n When Christ came in the flesh, He now gave the meaning of the law in two (not stones but) spiritual tablets namely, \u201cLove the Lord your God with all your heart (1st <\/sup>stone) and Love thy neighbor as thyself (2nd <\/sup>stone). On these, stands the law and the \u00a0prophets- Mat.22:37-40.\u201d<\/p>\n Many people think that love is a mere good feeling towards someone. But I say, \u201cIt is treating someone in the right (right is what the law says) way which may not be good for those who do wrong, who will hate you for the right\u201d<\/p>\n It is the law which explains what is right. When you obey God\u2019s law, then you are an active love. A good reason why love is the fulfilling of the law- Rom. 13:10. \u201cAnyone who disobeys God\u2019s law cannot love for; loving is that we keep (obey) God\u2019s commandments- 2 John 1:6.\u201d So now, what happens to those who accept Jesus?<\/p>\n LAW IN MEN\u2019S HEARTS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n It is now very clear from God\u2019s own words that those who believe in Jesus Christ and accepts His words actually accept the very life of God which is everlasting. For He says, \u201cFor I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them, and know in truth that you have sent me- John 17:8.\u201d And again, \u201cI have given them thy word and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world (this civilization, this imaginative life style)-John 17:14.\u201d<\/p>\n Note something here please. Those people who believe in the gospel of Christ do realize that all the knowledge they have, and all the life they have been living is actually a lie, and so they turn to God\u2019s life which He is teaching through His spiritual law. Now, how will they do this in a carnal mind which can\u2019t obey God\u2019s law? Jesus says, \u201cBut to all who receive him, He gives the power to become children of God- John 1:12.\u201dsee also ROM.8:14.<\/p>\n When Adam accepted Satan\u2019s lie, Satan gave him his evil spirit which formed Adam\u2019s mind, the knowledge that gave him to live the evil destructive life we are seeing today, \u201c\u2026the spirit that works in the children of disobedience- Ephesians 2:2-3\u201d, which forms, \u201cThe law of sin and death- Rom. 8:2.\u201d In the like manner, when one accepts Christ, God gives such a one theHoly Spirit which begins to form God\u2019s mind in him, the knowledge that makes one to start doing what God says. \u201cThe law of the spirit of life-Rom. 8:2.\u201d<\/p>\n At this point, God begins to create man in the second stage which is, developing His mind and righteous character in man.<\/p>\n What happens when a man receives the Holy Spirit thus becoming a Christian? Does one reject God\u2019s law, which is the only way of acquiring God\u2019s knowledge? By no means.On the contrary, God through Jesus Christ enters into a New Covenant with that person, for He promised not to abolish the law but rather transfer them from the bible to His mind which comes by way of studying, for He says, \u201cI will put my laws (not change them) in their hearts and write them in their minds \u2013 Heb. 10:16.\u201d<\/p>\n So, what is the purpose of the Holy Spirit? It is to enable man understand and obey the spiritual law through which he begins to develop God\u2019s character, for our Lord says, \u201cIn order that the just requirements of the law may be fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the spirit-Rom. 8:4.\u201d And again, \u201cWhen the spirit comes it will lead you into (not out of) all the truth-John 16:13.\u201d And what is the truth? \u201cThy word is truth-John 17:17.\u201d The law of God is true (Which is His word). Therefore the Holy Spirit can only flourish in the law (word) of God not outside. If you want to prove whether you have the spirit, it\u2019s only by the commandments and not any other way, for He tells us, \u201cAll who keep His commandments abide in Him and He in them, and with this, we know that He abides in us by the spirit which He has given us- 1 John 3:24.\u201d<\/p>\n LAW NAILED ON THE CROSS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n After we receive the Holy Spirit, a certain change takes place, which so many misunderstand and give room to false preachers to mislead them.<\/p>\n In the Old Covenant, the added laws and regulations (which could only make those who adhered to them display an outward appearance of holiness) were a guardian to them, preventing them from breaking the spiritual law, but they couldn\u2019t because of the evil spirit which occupied their minds.<\/p>\n But when Christ came, He gave those who believe, the Holy Spirit which is, \u201cThe shepherd and true guardian of your souls- 1 Peter 2:25.\u201d The Holy Spirit makes one to think the law of God. And since there is that change of mind, there automatically comes a change in the way one does things ,changing one\u2019s behavior (life) \u2013 see Eph 4:22-24. So, Christ abolished the first (Guardian law ),and established the second (Holy Spirit), the true guardian of our souls.<\/p>\n It\u2019s by this that He \u201cCancelled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this, He set aside, nailing it to the cross \u2013Col 2:14.\u201dIt wasn\u2019t the Ten Commandments but the added laws. This is why today, Christians don\u2019t sacrifice lambs; don\u2019t separate physically from gentiles etc. Yes \u201cHe abolished in His flesh the law of commandments (see Col 2:20-21; Ex 12:49) and ordinances, that He might create in himself, one new man in the place of the two, so making peace \u2013 Eph 2:15.\u201d Yes, the law demands which separated gentiles from the Jews, He removed by His death on the cross. \u201cSo then you are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God\u2019s household., Build upon what?Listen please\u2026\u2026the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Old & New Testament) Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone \u2013 Eph 2:19-20.\u201d<\/p>\n WATCH ON WOLVES<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n So now, why the law? Is it something one can abolish? Jesus\u2019 answer is very clear. \u201dIt is easier for heaven and earth to pass that for one dot of the law to become void \u2013 Matt. 5:18.\u201dWhy? Because the law is the very life of God explained through writings.It is for information about the right godly life. It is God\u2019s standard of judgment and our mirror by which we know whether we are right or wrong. God says \u201cBut whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it- not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it- they will be blessed in what they do- James 1:25.\u201d<\/p>\n Which is this perfect law? \u00a0\u201cThe law of the Lord is perfect \u2013 Ps 19:7.\u201d The law of the Lord is blessed- Ps.1:1-2.It is the very foundation on which the true church is built \u2013 Eph.2:20. It is the constitution of God\u2019s kingdom. Brethren beware of wolves in sheep\u2019s skin who wish to draw you away from Christ for their own benefits.For a true follower of Christ is one who, \u201cKeeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ \u2013 Rev. 14:12.\u201d Satan is strongly fighting this church for, \u201cKeeping the commandments of God and bearing testimony to Jesus- Rev. 12: 17.\u201d Whoever has ears, let him hear what the spirit is telling The Church.The grace of God be to those \u00a0walk by this rule, \u201cPeace and mercy to all who follow this rule- to the Israel of God- Gal. 6:16.\u201d<\/p>\n For additional reading, request for our messages, titled:<\/p>\n